The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the emergency management agencies of Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states, has activated a coordinated response mechanism to address the threat of imminent flooding across the South-East region.
This development follows fresh alerts issued by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), warning of possible flooding in at least 19 states nationwide, including those in the South-East.
In Anambra, the state government has established 16 Holding Centres in vulnerable communities such as Ogbaru, Aguleri, and Ifite Ogwari in Anambra East and Ayamelum Local Government Areas. According to Chief Paul Odenigbo, Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (AnSEMA), these centres have been equipped with essential facilities, including toilets and water supply, to accommodate potential flood victims.
Despite the warnings and preparedness, Odenigbo expressed concern over residents’ reluctance to evacuate from high-risk zones, even after repeated sensitisation efforts and the training of local emergency response volunteers.
“The flood is real and escalating due to climate change, poor urban planning, and environmental factors,” he said. “We have held simulations, trained local teams, and prepared facilities, but community cooperation remains crucial.”
The recent four-day flood simulation exercise, tagged Ide Mmiri Odachi, held at the Naval Outpost in Ogbaru, was part of efforts to enhance readiness among response personnel.
In support, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has conducted assessment tours in flood-prone areas, with the Anambra Commandant, Olatunde Maku, urging residents to relocate to safer grounds. He also called for stronger collaboration with traditional leaders and community heads in disseminating safety messages.
Similarly, Ebonyi State has intensified sensitisation campaigns through town hall meetings and media programmes. Mr Clement Ovuoba, Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency, highlighted that Abakaliki, Izzi, Ikwo, Ebonyi, and Ivo local governments are particularly at risk.
“We’ve reached out to grassroots communities and engaged stakeholders to prepare residents. We’ve also requested the state government to stockpile relief materials in anticipation of displacement,” said Ovuoba.
In addition, the Nigerian and Watershed Management Project has announced plans to enhance the Iyiudele and Iyioku waterways, tributaries of the Ebonyi River, to improve drainage and reduce flood impact.
To consolidate the regional response, NEMA has conducted a joint flood preparedness simulation involving officials from Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states. According to Mrs Ngozi Echeazu, NEMA’s Head of Operations in Enugu, the exercise included defining roles for all participating agencies and NGOs, while also ensuring early warning messages reached community leaders and stakeholders.
As part of its preparedness strategy, NEMA has launched dedicated WhatsApp groups with Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) in each state to allow real-time updates, including photos, videos, and alerts from communities during flooding.
“Communication, coordination, and community awareness are our greatest tools right now,” Echeazu said. “We are working hard to ensure lives and property are protected before the flood arrives.”
